Founders - WKTV Journal

By Lauren King

Merrell

The Merrell team will be out and about on local urban and traditional trails this Saturday, Oct. 20 with the goal of surprising Grand Rapids residents along the way. As part of their “Merrell Magic” campaign that’s been happening across the nation this year, hikers that come across the Merrell crew at parks and trails including, but not limited to, Ada Seidman and Fallsburg, will be delighted to receive items such as swag, gift cards and more.

Merrell believes in the profound power of the trail and is looking forward to celebrating the fall trails in their own backyard here in greater Grand Rapids.

Coinciding with the Merrell team dispersing around the city and surrounding areas to spread “Merrell Magic” on the trails, the brand has also teamed up with Liz Thomas, the queen of urban thru-hiking, to hike West Michigan’s “Ale Trail” starting Wednesday, Oct. 17 in Cedar Springs (North Country Trail) and ending Saturday, Oct. 20 in downtown Grand Rapids.

Liz’s four-day urban hike will make stops at 25 breweries in and around Grand Rapids and showcase that hiking can be done in an urban setting with the added experience of exploring the local beer scene.

Liz Thomas’ Urban Thru Hike Schedule:

Wednesday, October 17 (14 miles, 3 Breweries)

Start: Cedar Springs Brewing; End: Comstock Park
Breweries: Cedar Springs Brewing Company (11 a.m.), Rockford Brewing Company (2 p.m.), Bier Distillery (4:30 p.m.)

Thursday, October 18 (24 miles, 9 Breweries)

Start: Comstock Park; End: East Grand Rapids
Breweries: Perrin (11 a.m.), Hideout (1:30 p.m.), Creston (3:40 p.m.), The Bob (5 p.m.), Fountain Hill (5:45 p.m.), ELK Brewing (6:45 p.m.), Brewery Vivant (7:30 p.m.), East West (9 p.m.), Harmony (9:40 p.m.)

Friday, October 19 (21 miles, 4 breweries)

Start: East Grand Rapids; End: Grand Rapids near Brass Ring
Breweries: Thornapple (11 a.m.), Schmolz (12:30 p.m.), Jaden James (2:30 p.m.), Brass Ring (5:45 p.m.)

Saturday, October 20th Team Merrell Magic Day (13 miles (2.5 miles to Outside Coffee Co.), 9 breweries)

9 a.m. Start at Outside Coffee Co. @ Woosah Outfitters (Merrell Ambassador Erica Lang’s place).
Breweries: Grand Rapids Brewing Co. (10am), HopCat (10:30am), Founders (11:25 p.m.), Atwater (1:20 p.m.), City Built (2:30 p.m.), Greyline (3:20 p.m.), The Mitten (4:10 p.m.), Jolly Pumpkin (5:10 p.m.), New Holland Knickerbocker (5:40 p.m.). Times may vary based on the Michigan-Michigan State game.

Local music, local food, and of course local beer, will once again be part of the annual LocalFirst Street Party set for June 3.

The 14th annual LocalFirst Street Party will run from 3 p.m. – midnight in the parking lot near Bistro Bella Vita, 44 Grandville Ave. SW, in downtown Grand Rapids.

“The Local First Street Party celebrates the vibrant and diverse local talent we have in Michigan,” said LocalFirst President Elissa Hillary. “From the music and performers to the food and beverage, it’s all evidence that the work we do is supporting and bringing together a strong community.”

New to this year’s event is an expanded kids area with the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and Sanctuary Folk Art providing programming. Also the Happy Henna will be providing Henna tattoos and there will be an interactive photo booth by Smitten Booth.

Of course, if you are crafty, there will be lots of sidewalk chalk available to decorate the streets. Also returning to this year’s event with activities for everyone are 61Syx Technique Street Dance Academy, Audacious Hoops, and AM Yoga.

If you are looking to bust a groove, local groups such as The Crane Wives, Molly Bouwsma-Schultz & Friends, Cabildo, Convotronics, JRob & Bedrock: The Foundation, Hollywood Makeout, and Wealthy & Diamond will be providing the music to do just that.

Of course food is always on the mind whenever attending the LocalFirst Street Party and there will be plenty of it from a number of local restaurants and food trucks. This year’s line up includes A Moveable Feast, Love’s Ice Cream, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, The Maine Dish, Patty Matters, What the Truck, Twisted Rooster, Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery, The Candied Yam and Malamiah Juice Bar.

And of course, you have to have something to wash it all down with and local favorites as Founders, Brewery Vivant, Mitten Brewing Company, Farmhaus, and Cider Company will all be on hand providing a range of local beverages to choose from. There also will be free water from Gordon Water.

“We are so grateful for all the support we receive of over 50 sponsors and community partners,” Hillary said. “The Street Party is one of the biggest ways we have to show off what local ownership and collaboration means for West Michigan.”

For more information and updates on the event, visit localfirst.com or follow #LFStreetParty.